Meng Calls Out Head of U.S. Postal Service for Refusing to Speak With Her About Building an Accessibility Ramp at the Jackson Heights Post Office in Queens
QUEENS, NY – Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) called out the head of the U.S. Postal Service for refusing to speak with her about installing an accessibility ramp at the main entrance of the Jackson Heights Post Office in Queens.
Building the ramp has long been a priority to Jackson Heights residents, and Meng has been leading the charge for it since the neighborhood became part of her congressional district in January 2023. Last year, she led a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy asking for a ramp to be added to the existing front steps so that individuals with disabilities, seniors and those pushing strollers could enter and exit the facility safely. But after Postal officials said no to constructing the ramp, Meng last month requested a phone call with DeJoy to further discuss the matter and elevate the issue to the top of the Postal Service. However, DeJoy refused to take her call. His office told Meng that she could instead talk to a government liaison.
“I know that the Postmaster General is a busy guy and that there are thousands of employees serving under him,” said Congresswoman Meng. “But I am shocked and dismayed that he won’t pick up the phone for a quick call with a Member of Congress, especially since it is Congress that has oversight of his agency. I am stunned by such arrogance. Installing a ramp at the main entrance of the Jackson Heights Post Office is a critical issue in Queens that impacts many who have difficulty gaining access to this facility. I strongly disagree with the Postal Service’s decision to not construct a ramp. It is important to explain to the Postmaster General the reasons why a ramp is necessary and highlight why his staff’s rejection of it is misguided. I urge the Postmaster General to reconsider. He should find some time for a phone call, and more importantly, he needs to get this ramp built. Nobody should be denied or have great difficulty in accessing their local post office, and receiving the postal services they need and deserve.”
In denying Meng’s request for a ramp, the Postal Service told her that the Jackson Heights Post Office predates the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 which requires federal facilities to be accessible to people with disabilities. Since the agency began occupying the building in 1937, before the advent of the modern accessibility criteria, it is exempt from accessibility upgrade requirements.
“Even if the Postal Service is not legally required to build a ramp, it should still do the right thing and make sure the Jackson Heights Post Office is accessible to all,” Meng added.
“Jackson Heights residents deserve a post office with a ramp that makes it easily accessible to the entire community, including seniors, people with disabilities and those tending to young children,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. (D-Queens). “Postmaster General DeJoy’s lack of accessibility to Congresswoman Meng is emblematic of his lack of concern about the accessibility issues that plague those seeking to use the Jackson Heights Post Office. I thank Congresswoman Meng for holding the Postmaster General's feet to the fire on this issue, and urge him to return her phone call."
“I’m so grateful that Congresswoman Meng has taken this local issue so seriously,” said State Senator Jessica Ramos (D-Queens). “Whether or not the Postmaster General is legally obligated to install a ramp should be secondary to whether the Jackson Heights Post Office needs a ramp. And to that question there is only one answer. This is a true community post office, serving seniors, families with young children and people with disabilities. All the time spent looking for excuses not to make this public building accessible could have been spent actually installing the ramp,”
“My colleagues and I stand in full support of Congressmember Meng's efforts to enhance accessibility at the Jackson Heights Post Office,”said Assembly Member Steven Raga (D-Queens). “It is disheartening that conversations with the highest levels of the Postal Service are being evaded, especially on such a crucial matter that directly affects our community's inclusivity and accessibility. We urge the Postmaster General to engage constructively in this dialogue and prioritize the well-being of our constituents by ensuring the installation of the much-needed ramp.”
“The residents of Jackson Heights have spoken and their needs are still being neglected,” said Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas (D-Queens). “Installing a ramp at the entrance of the Jackson Heights Post Office is an equity issue. Ensuring all New Yorkers have access to essential buildings is our job. Jackson Heights is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the country where our older adults, families and disabled neighbors live. They are part of our community and it’s time we ensure they too can access this post office.”
"Accessibility is a right,” said Council Member Shekar Krishnan (D-Queens). “The U.S. Postal Service and the Postmaster General have long fallen short of their obligation to provide access to all members of our community at our Post Office in Jackson Heights. As Representative Meng and I have made clear: we need a ramp now."
The Jackson Heights Post Office is located at 78-02 37th Avenue.